ILOILO – Extreme heat from the El Niño phenomenon could make materials more combustible, increasing the risk of various types of fires including rubbish, grass, sugarcane, and structural fires, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 6.
Anticipation these, BFP-6 has started implementing measures to combat potential fire incidents despite no official declaration yet from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) about the onset of a severe El Niño, said Chief Superintendent Jerry Candido, BFP-6 director.
One major concern, however, is the lack of water for firefighting.
“We are looking for other sources of water,” said Candido.
The BFP’s usual sources of water are deep wells and rivers.
The BFP, however, is cautious about using saltwater from the Iloilo River (which is actually an estuary or “arm of the sea”) due to its potential to aggravate fires and corrode firefighting equipment.
“But kon wala na gid, sige. Mag-conduct kita sang overhauling or mopping operation, we can use it. But it [seawater salinity] may destroy our fire truck,” Candido said.
“We just hope and pray nga indi madayun ang gina-project kag ginahambal sa aton sang PAGASA nga super drought,” he added.
Candido highlighted the importance of public cooperation in maintaining clean surroundings to prevent grass and garbage fires.
Avoid burning garbage near houses and other combustible materials, he stressed.
“Kon ang wind direction pakadto sa balay, indi puede ang init nga pakadto sa balay. Kon pabay-an, masunog ang aton balay. That’s why makita mo gani sa amon fire response, ginabombahan namon sang tubig ang ingud balay,” explained Candido.
He also ordered fire marshals in the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo and Bacolod to coordinate with local governments for dumpsite management, as rubbish fires can be resource-intensive and pose significant health hazards.
“Kay once gani mag-umpisa ang sunog (in dumpsites) baw binulan namon nga mapatay, non-stop,” said Candido.
BFP uses special chemicals to extinguish dumpsite fires that may be fueled by methane gas.
“You need special techniques and chemicals to stop the dumpsite fire, and since we will be using chemicals, million ang aton gastuhan para mapa-untat lang ang kalayo sa aton dumpsite,” the regional director explained.
Dumpsite fires are Class B fires that require extra effort, like turning the trash upside down to allow methane gas to escape.
“Amo na subong ang patutokan kag indi kita maghulat nga mag-umpisa ang kalayo kay tama ka budlay patyon. Ang damage sa sources and health hazards gid sina sia, pila ka barangay ang ma-evacuate, problema naman sang syudad kon diin i-evaucate ang mga pumoluyo apektado sang aso,” Candido further said.
The BFP is also preparing for increased sugar cane fires, typically peaking between March and May.
PAGASA-Iloilo forecasts below-normal to way below-normal rainfall in the region from January to April 2024, with conditions expected to normalize by May or June.
Weather specialist Engineer Ferdinand Rubin said this dry spell raises concerns for potential drought conditions in Western Visayas by the end of April.
He urged local governments and stakeholders to prepare for the impacts on various sectors.
Tropical cyclone forecasts indicate a lower number of cyclones entering or developing in the region during this period.
Here’s the rainfall forecast of Pagasa from January to June:
* For January – provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental are forecast to experience below normal rainfall
* For February – provinces of Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental are forecast to experience way below normal rainfall, except the province of Capiz that forecast to experience below normal rainfall
* For March – provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental are forecast to experience below normal rainfall
* For April – provinces of Aklan and Capiz are forecast to experience below normal rainfall, and the provinces of Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental are forecast to experience way below normal rainfall
* For May – the provinces of Aklan, Capiz and Negros Occidental are forecast to experience below normal rainfall. Meanwhile, provinces of Antique, Guimaras and Iloilo are forecast to experience near normal rainfall
* For June – all provinces will experience near normal rainfall/PN
